Compact Vehicle Power Unit with Inclined Cylinders and Nested Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small-sized utility vehicles face challenges in accommodating a power unit below the driver and passenger seats due to limited space, leading to protrusion of engine and transmission components and inefficient use of available space.
Innovation Solution
A power unit design with a horizontally-oriented crankshaft and inclined cylinders, along with a compact transmission assembly positioned below the counterweight's swept area, allows for a multi-cylinder engine and transmission arrangement that fits within the restricted space without protruding, utilizing counterweights to smooth rotation and reduce vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the power unit is arranged in the space below the driver and passenger seats, then the vehicle body structure can be simplified and space utilization improved, but the engine and transmission components protrude and the available space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the transmission assembly in the vertical dimension below the counterweight's swept area, rather than arranging it horizontally alongside the engine. This vertical placement utilizes the space under the counterweight's rotation path, effectively adding a vertical layer to the power unit layout and reducing horizontal protrusion of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission assembly is nested within the region defined by the counterweight's swept area. The counterweight's rotational path creates a defined spatial envelope, and the transmission components are positioned to fit within this envelope, allowing the transmission to be accommodated without increasing the overall external dimensions of the power unit.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a multi-cylinder engine is used to reduce vibrations, then engine performance is improved, but the engine size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric V-type cylinder arrangement where the cylinder axes are inclined at specific angles (45-90 degrees from vertical) relative to each other. This asymmetric configuration allows the engine to achieve vibration cancellation through opposing piston movements while maintaining a compact form factor. The opposing cylinders are arranged to create balanced reciprocating forces that reduce vibrations without requiring a symmetric inline configuration.
3Volume of moving object
If the transmission assembly is positioned below the counterweight's swept area, then space utilization is improved and components do not protrude, but the transmission components may interfere with the counterweight movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power unit into distinct functional segments: the engine section with cylinders and crankshaft, the counterweight rotation zone, and the transmission assembly positioned in the region below the counterweight's swept area. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its designated spatial zone, with the transmission assembly positioned low enough to avoid interference with the counterweight's rotational path while still utilizing the available vertical space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enables a compact power unit that effectively utilizes space below the seats, reducing height and vibrations, and allows for a wider load-carrying platform, enhancing the vehicle's versatility and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The engine includes a crank shaft having a counterweight
Data Source
AI summary
A power unit for a vehicle comprises an engine and a transmission assembly. The engine includes a crank shaft having a rotating mass. The transmission assembly includes a drive shaft having a first drive gear and being connected to the crank shaft through a first transmission mechanism, and a driven shaft connected to the drive shaft through a driven gear that meshes with the first drive gear. With the power unit oriented such that the crank shaft is substantially horizontal, at least a portion of the transmission assembly is positioned within a region extending below a swept area of the rotating mass.